IRIA News

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Chinese President Xi Jinping and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a phone call on April 20, 2026, to discuss rising tensions in the Middle East, with a focus on security, stability, and the growing risks to global trade.

The conversation comes at a time of heightened strain between the United States and Iran, with the situation increasingly affecting key economic routes and regional balance.

Both leaders reviewed the latest developments and their broader regional and international implications, including the potential impact on energy markets and global supply chains.

According to official reports, the two sides discussed efforts to de-escalate tensions and improve security conditions across the region. A major point of concern was maritime security, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and gas shipments.

They highlighted how instability in this narrow waterway could disrupt vital energy supplies and create wider economic uncertainty. The Strait handles around 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas, making it one of the most sensitive chokepoints in global trade.

China Calls for Immediate Ceasefire

Following the discussion on regional risks, China made its position clear. Xi called for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, stressing that further escalation would only deepen instability.

He emphasized that disputes in the Middle East should be resolved through political dialogue and diplomatic engagement rather than military action. According to Chinese state media, Xi said that maintaining stability is essential not only for the region but also for the global economy.

“Normal navigation through the Strait of Hormuz should be maintained; this is in the shared interests of regional countries and the international community,” Xi said during the call.

The Chinese leader underlined that uninterrupted maritime traffic through the Strait is critical, warning that any prolonged disruption could have serious economic consequences worldwide.

China’s concerns are closely tied to its economic interests. As a major trading partner of Gulf countries and a key buyer of Iranian oil, Beijing relies heavily on stable energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz.

Any blockage or restriction in the route would directly affect global oil prices and supply chains, with ripple effects across multiple economies. This has made maritime security a central issue in China’s response to the crisis.

Xi also pointed to the wider economic risks, noting that tensions in the Gulf are not just a regional issue but a global one. He stressed the need for cooperation to ensure stability and protect international trade routes.

Growing China-Saudi Coordination

The call also highlighted the strengthening relationship between China and Saudi Arabia. As the two countries mark the tenth anniversary of their comprehensive strategic partnership, Xi reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepening ties based on mutual respect and shared interests.

He expressed readiness to expand cooperation and strengthen strategic trust, particularly in areas related to regional security and economic stability.

This growing coordination reflects China’s increasing diplomatic role in the Middle East, where it has been positioning itself as a supporter of dialogue and conflict resolution.

Iran Signals Setback in Talks

At the same time, diplomatic efforts faced a setback from Iran. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said that Tehran would not participate in the second round of talks.

Speaking to the media, he said Iran has no intention of continuing negotiations, adding that the United States had violated the ceasefire. He also noted that Pakistan, which has been acting as a mediator, had been informed of the development.

The decision raises further uncertainty about the prospects for dialogue, especially as tensions remain high and trust between the parties continues to weaken.

The latest developments show how fragile the situation remains. While China is calling for calm and pushing for a diplomatic solution, divisions between key actors continue to slow progress.

The situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains a central concern, with any escalation likely to have immediate global consequences. As efforts to restart talks face challenges, the focus is now on whether diplomatic channels can still be revived before tensions rise further.